Window construction



May l 1951 A. J. PRoNpzlNsKl Erm. 2,551,051

. wINDow CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. e, 194s 3 sheets-sheet 1 May 1, 1951 N .y A. J. PRoNDzlNsKl ETAL.

WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 6, 1948 jugue# P/f By Fla/1an May 1, 195l A. J. PRoNDzlNsKl Erm. 2,551,051

I y WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 'Filed Jan, e, 194e :s sheets-sheet s 4 #rra/EVE):

Patented May l, v1951 August J. Prondzinski and said Kindler assigner to said Milwaukee, Wis.; Prondzinski Florian F. Kndler,

Application'January 6, 1948, Serial No. 752

3 Claims. 1

Our invention relates to improvements in ventilating window constructions for dwelling houses,

factories and the like, and it has for one of its primary objects to provide cooperating upper and lower sash which are not only relatively adjustable in a vertical direction, but which may be readily arranged and retained in a multiplicity of relatively inclined positions so as to exclude snow and rain, and provide a healthful, substantially draftless Ventilation for the room.

Vertically slidable sash whichv may also be arranged at relatively inclined positions with respect to one another have heretofore been proposed. However, such prior art contemplates not only grooveways in the window frame for guiding the sash in their vertical movement, but also transverse grooveways connecting the vertical grooveways for receiving sash-carried pins. One of the outstanding points in favor of our construction is that we eliminate the necessity foi` transverse grooveways in the window frame connecting the vertical grooveways.v Furthermore, we eliminate the necessity for counter-sunk holes in the sash guiding grooveways of the frame for receiving sash pins or the like to maintain the sash in various adjusted positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a window construction, as characterizedwhich incorporates sash which are readily removable for cleaning purposes Without dismantling the window frame, the arrangement being such as to permit removal of the sash from within the dwelling or other structure, thus doing away with the injury hazard that would be incident to removal of the sash from without the room. or dwelling.

.Still another object is to provide vwindow frameengaging sash-carried means which will assure of a snug, draft-proof iit of the sash in the frame at all times, and maintenance of the vsash in predetermined adjusted position without necessitating the use of sash weights or other balance means, the nature of saidsash-carried means also being such as to compensate for expansion or contraction of the. frame or sash due to weather changes. By thus compensating for expansion and contraction of the sash and frame we assure against the sash sticking and the necessity of using a pinch-bar or the like, to start a sash,

with incident likelihood of damage to the latter.

Additionally, the invention contemplates sashposition-maintaining means as immediately above characterized which is yieldably urged into window frame engagement and incorporates frame groove-engageable guide means for facilitating diierent relative positioning ofthe sash, said guide means being preferably yieldable relatively of said sash-position-maintaining means.

A further and more specific object of the invention is to provide substantially coextensive outwardly urged channel-form cushioning (or pressure exerting) shoes slidably embracing the side rails of the sash and engaging the window frame, and depressible outwardly urged guide elements carried in part by said respective shoes and in part by the side rails of the sash. These sash-carried guide elements are adapted to engage window frame-provided guide grocvesor the like, and are urged outwardly by at least certain of the spring means which urge the said sash rail-carried cushioning shoes outwardly.

An additional aim of the invention is to provide novel means for locking the sash in Window opening-closing position, while at the same time assuring of a snug top and bottom t of the sash with the top and bottom of the window frame and at their meeting rails. V

Various other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent as the description proceeds, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings illustrating a now preferred form of the invention; In this connection,` however, it should be understood that our inventive concept is susceptible of other mechanical expressions and various changes in detail here andthere without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

In the drawings, wherein the same reference characters have been used to designate the same parts throughout the several views,

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of ya windowV frame and sash construction embodying our invention;

Fig. 2 is a central vertical sectional view through the sash and frame taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, and showing the sash in side elevation;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged and broken cross-sectional viewtaken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one of the side sash rail-carried cushioning shoes removed;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through one of the sash side rails-with its cushioning shoe in place, and illustrating certain of the rail-carried springs which may be employed in addition to the ball or other guide element-actuating springs for urging the related sash-carried shoe toward the adjacent side of' the window frame;

Figs. i-11, inclusive, are 4diagrammatic side elevational -views illustrating some of the relative 3 adjustments of the sash which can be achieved, the window frame being shown in vertical section; and

Fig. 12 is a group perspective view of one of the lock elements for securing the windows in the closed position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Referring to the drawings by reference characters and turning to Figs. 1 and Y2, numeral I6 designates the conventional sill of the window frame, while I I refers to the equally conventional top cross member of the latter. As usual, the sides of the sash opening are defined by laterally spaced vertical frame members I2 which connect the sill I and top cross member II, as indicated in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3 also illustrates that the opposed faces of the vertical frame members I2 have a metal facing I3 which is preferably of aluminum so as to be rustproof. These metal facings I3 provide laterally spaced opposed grooves I4 which are rounded in the arc of a circle as viewed in cross section for receiving sash-carried guide elements which will be referred to later on herein.

The frame incorporates the usual spaced 'skirt or mounting members I5, I5a, which extend at rig-ht angles fro-In the top fram'e member II. There are corresponding mounting members 24, 24a associated with the bottom of the sill I0. It will also be understood that the counterpart of mounting members I5, I5a and 24, 24a will proe ject outwardly in spaced parallelism from the outer surfaces of the side frame members I2, these being indicated at I5, I5'a in Fig. 3.

An ornamental facing I9 gives the 'room-'exe posed portion of the frame a nished appearance, and there is the conventional window sill 23 opposite the sill portion I0. A facing I6, I1, gives the exterior of the frame a finished appearance as usual, the side strips I1 rising .from the step I8 of the sill I0.

In further carrying out the invention, we pref erably employ adjacent the 'room side of the sash opening the removable -sash-conning trim strip 2I which is coextensive with said opening across the top of the frame and embodies portions extending down the sides of th'e frame t'o the inner sill or facing 23.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and f2, the upper `and lower sash 26, 21, respectively, are of the same size, 'although this is not necessarily the case.

The upper sash 26 has the side-rails 26a, top rail 26h, and bottom rail 26e, while the 'corresponding rails of the lower sash 21 are designated by reference characters 21a, 21h, and 21o, respectively. The bottom rails of the .respective sash 26, 21, have secured thereto the substantially U-shaped handle elements 28 and 29wfor facilitating shifting of the sash from one vposition to another.

When the sash V26, 21 are-in position, to close the window openings as shown in Figs. 1 `and 2, they are arranged in prolongation of one another, it being observed that the meeting rails 26e, l21h provide a vsnug joint. This meeting rail joint between the sash 26, 21 is provided by "offset slant-i ing surfaces which match one another, said surfaces being separated Yby matching shoulders 261:, 21x, respectively. The shoulders 26m, 21x, and the offset s lanting surfaces arecoextensive in length with the respective meeting rails 26e, 2119 of the sash 26, 21. It will be obvious that 'the equivalent of a weather stripped yjoint is provided at the meeting rails 26e, 21o of the sash. IIn vthis connection, see Figs. 6-11, inclusive.

The top rail 26o of the-upper sash is trans'-Y 4 versely rounded throughout its length as indicated at 32 to be received in the correspondingly formed groove 33 in the inner surface of the top frame member II. On the other hand, the bottom rail 21c of the sash 21 has a transversely rounded groove 3l for engaging a sill-carried strip 34. Thus, the sash 26, 21 can be rocked outwardly or to the left as viewed in Fig. 2 to separate the meeting rail joint 261', 21x, preparatory to making relative sash adjustments, such as are indicated in Figs. 6-11, inclusive.

It is to be noted that the slant of the contiguous joint surfaces of the meeting rails of the sash is such as to preclude outward (rightward as viewed in Fig. 2) movement of the sash 26,

21. Such movement is also prevented by the confining strips 2| at the side of the Window frame, as best indicated in Fig. 3.

i Figs. 1 and 12 illustrate the novel means for locking the sash 26, 21 in the closed position of Figs. l and 2. This lockingmeans takes the form of a lever 30 pivoted as at 30a. to the inner surface of the frame-carried strips 2| at opposite sides of the window opening opposite the lower ends of the side Arails 26a. of the upper sash 26. Each lever 30 hasa cam portion 30h which is adapted to engage in la slot 29a of a plate 29 countersunk in the room 'exposed surface of the upper sash Vside rails 26a. When the lever is swung upwardly, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, the cam portion 3U engages in the slot '29a of yits associated plate 29-iirst turning 'free in said slot and then engaging the lower end thereof just prior to the disposition of the lever handle 30 in the Figs. I1 and 2 position, so as to 'clamp the sash 26 down onto the sash 21 and the latter down onto the convex strip or member 34 von the sill IIJ.

As shown in Fig. 3 the outer trame-opposing portions of each of the side rails 26a, 21a 'of 'the respective sash 26, 21, are provided with the coextensive outwardly urged cushioning or 'pressure exerting shoes 35 which are shown in detail in Fig. 4. These cushioning 'or pressure exerting shoes 35 are adapted lto bear against the opposed surfaces of the window frame and said shoes have the side flanges 35a which .make sliding contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the Vside rails 26a (or 21a.) of th'e sash.

As will be understood from an inspection of Fig. 3, the shoes 35 for the side rails 26a of the upper sash will conform to the side pro'le of said upper sash, While the 'shoes applied to the side rails 21a of the lower sash will vconform to the side .profile 'of same.

Coming now Ato themeans Ifor urging the p'r'ess'ure exerting or cushioning vshoes 35 outwardly from their associated sash'rails, 'and turning to Figs. 3 and 5., it will be observed that the outer surfaces -of the sash side `railsA 26a, 212i are provided adjacent each Aend with "circular bores -46 receiving Ycoil springs 41. "These coil springs l41 bear against balls 42 of glass, kmetal or other hard material, for urging theiniparti'ally through diagrammatically smaller ,holes .31 in the 'shoes 35. Theseholes 3'1are preferably 'approximately midway between the ysid'e v'lfaiige's 35a fof the .shoes 35 as shown.

Thais, the springs i4! notfoniy serve to urge 'fthe shoes 35 into r-ictional contact with -the inreltal f'acings 'I3 'of sfide Tframe members I2., ibut also 4-to urge the balls i2 outwardly for engagement 1in one or the other of the .lineal cross sectionally rounded grooves Minlsaid facings t5. Theiba'l'ls 42obviouslyserve -to `guide the :sas-h in and@ pendent vertical movement when engaged in one of the grooves I4, and said balls also function with shoes 35 to maintain the sash at a predetermined angle when one ball is located in one groove I4 and the other ball in the companion groove. The outwardly urged shoes 35 not only assure of a tight fit of the sash 26, 21 in the frame, but also function to retain the sash in a set position against accidental movement, thus obviating the' necessity for sash weights or spe-l cial sash-carried clamps for engaging the sides of the frame.

To retain the shoes 35 in assembly with the side rails 26a (or 21a) of the sash, We provide the channel element 38 which is welded or otherwise secured; to its shoe 35 approximately mid-way between thesides and ends of the latter. The side flanges 38a of the channel 38 extend into cut-outs 43 in the side rails of the sash, as indicated in Fig. 3.

When the shoes have been applied, a pin or nail 46 is driven transversely through the asso-f carried by the inner surface of the shoe, the asciated side rail to extend through the short transverse slots 45 in the channel flanges 38a. Such pins or nails 46 permit the requisite in and out movement of the shoes 35 with respect to the associated sash rail, as will be apparent.

If desired, there may be additional coil springs 4Ia (seeFigj 5) disposed inbores 40a approximately midway' the length of sash rails 26a, ,27a for urging the shoes 35 outwardly and by way of supplement to the action of the springs 4|, which actuate the sash-guiding balls 42.

As shown `in Figs. 2 and 3, the space defined by sill step I 8 and side and top outer facing strips I1, I6 is adapted to seat the frame 41 of a screen 48.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

1. A window construction comprising in cornbination with a Window frame having side walls providing opposed sash-bearing surfaces, a sash having top, bottom, and side rails, channel-form shoes coextensive with the side rails and having side anges making slidable engagement with the opposite sides of the side rails, a lineally extending guide member having flanged sides and sociated side sash rail having a recess slidably receiving the flanged sides of the shoe guiding means, and spring means carried by the sash side rails and interposed between same and the related shoe for urging same outwardly into Window frame engagement whereby to frictionally retain the sash in predetermined relative positions in respect to the frame.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1, and said shoe having openings therethrough intermediate its sides and adjacent each end, rounded end guide elements in part carried by the side sash rail and in partby said shoe by being partially projectable through said shoe openings, and independent spring means for actuating said guide elements outwardly to partially project through said shoe openings, and guide elementreceiving grooves in the inner surfaces of said frame sides.

3. The combination set forth in claim 1, and said shoe having openings therethrough intermediate its sides and adjacent each end, rounded `end guide elements in part carried by the side sash rail and in partfby said shoe by being partially projectable through said shoe openings, and independent spring means for actuating said guide elements outwardly to partially project through said shoe openings, guide element-receiving grooves in the inner surfaces of said frame sides, and said shoe guiding means having a file of this patent:

transverse slot guiding means to retain it in assembly with the rail.

AUGUST J. PRONDZINSKI. FLORIAN F. KINDLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 372,534 Habel Nov. 1, 1887 681,379 Tidd Aug. 27, 1901 1,970,210 Weber. Aug. 14, 1934 2,026,119 Benzenberg Dec. 31, 1935 2,353,630 Berry July 18, 1944 

